On this episode of the Mixing Family and Business Podcast, I take you right to the heart of what it really means to blend the two, family and business, drawing from memories, wisdom, and a few laughs along the way. Joined by Shirley, Kim, Beth, and Don, we reminisce about our classic family Easter traditions from the 1940s and beyond, from sugary Easter baskets and church sunrise services to those one-of-a-kind candy hunts that only happen in a busy household. But the nostalgia is only part of it—this week, we dive deep into the “Mom’s Rules” that shaped not only our childhoods but the way we’ve run businesses together over decades. I share stories about starting new ventures, learning from my mom’s sharp instincts (and softer heart), and how we navigated everything from hiring employees who felt like family to working side-by-side as a team—even when it meant showing up five minutes early and staying late to get the job done.

Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com.

Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Are you ready to dive into the real stories behind running multiple businesses with your family? In this episode, I’m joined by Shirley, Tom, and Beth as we open up about what it truly takes to mix family and business—from our earliest holiday memories to the behind-the-scenes grit that launched our first ventures. You’ll hear about our journey starting everything from grocery stores and car washes to Dairy Queens and digital agencies, and the surprises, mistakes, and triumphs we encountered along the way. I share practical lessons on financing, adapting to unexpected changes, why your first sale matters more than endless planning, and how to keep your team (and family!) moving in the right direction. Whether you’re dreaming of launching your first company or taking your family business to the next level, this episode is packed with honest advice, funny stories, and the kind of wisdom you only get when you’ve lived it. Tune in now—I can’t wait to share what we’ve learned and help you turn your own business ambitions into reality. See you next episode—family, business, and all. Stay awesome!

Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com.

Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ready for a trip down memory lane? In this episode, I’m diving into the world of small-town grocery stores, reflecting on the wild days before credit cards and digital systems took over. Join as we swap stories with Joel Fenton, Jonathan Bannister, Tom, and the rest of the Mixing Family and Business crew. We’re talking about the chaos and charm of counterchecks, rolling “bad check” lists, cash-and-carry loyalty programs like Green Stamps, and the kind of hands-on business practices that kept entire communities connected. From meat-cutting in the back room to making store deliveries in person, hustling with VHS tape rentals, and balancing books the old-fashioned way, it’s a look at how ingenuity and trust built the backbone of our family business. If you’re curious about how things worked in the days before scanners and smartphones, or you just want a good laugh at the way we did things, you’ll love this episode.

Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com.

Make sure to check out our website to learn more!